Ultrasonic treatment method and device for fertilized ova and live embryos



O R 3 5 5 0 5 8 6 EX 1 ,P J i- I ,1 United states Patent {1113,5505586[72] Inventor Lewis Balamuth [51] lnLCl A6lh 1/00 New York, N.Y. [50]Field of Search l28/l, 24; [21] Appl No. 849,735 47/58; ll9/l.3 [22]Filed Aug. 13, 1969 Division ofSer. No. 622.126. Mar. 10, 1967. [561Referencesfiled Pat. No. 3.499.436 UNITED STATES PATENTS [451 PalemedDec-29,1970 3,382,846 5/1968 Roncarietal. 119/1 [73] Assignee UltrasonicSystems, Inc.

Farmingdak, Prlmary Examiner-L. W. Trapp a gorpomfion of DelawareAttorney-Leonard W. Suroff [54] ULTRASONIC TREATMENT METHOD AND DEVICEFOR FERTILIZED OVA AND LIVE EMBRYOS ABSTRACT" Th f h l 24 Claims 18Drawing Figs e use 0 co erent e ast1c energy waves in a definedfrequency range, of generally from 500 cycles per [52] US. Cl 128/24,second to 600,000 c.p.s. for the treatment of organic strucllS/l: ll9/l. l 19/3147/58 tures, such as fertilized ova and live embryos.

PATENTEDBEEZQIQYB 6.550.586

SHEET 1 BF 4 FIG./

GENERATOR 1? WW i MW 36 as /7 f8 58 PRIOR ART PRIOR ART I ENTOR. LEWISLAMUTH ATTORNEY PATENTEDUEBZBIH? (550,586

sum 3 UF 4 I INVENTOR.

LEWIS BALAMUTH ATTORNEY ULTRASONIC TREATMENT METHOD AND DEVICE FORFERTILIZED OVA AND LIVE EMBRYOS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis is a division of application Ser. No. 622, l 26, filed Mar. 10,I967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,436, issued Mar. 10, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to the treatment of organic structures with ultrasonic elasticenergy waves and more particularly to an improved method and apparatusfor treating biological systems, such as animals, including man, plantsand other forms of cellular structures, with ultrasonic vibrations forproducing beneficial effects therein.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, mechanical vibrations havebeen applied to various organic structures or biological systems forobtaining beneficial results. With respect to animals and particularlyhumans, the frequency of vibrations have been generally in two frequencyspectrums.

The lower frequency spectrum is in the range of generally 60 c.p.s. to Ic.p.s. An example of the low-frequency application of mechanicalvibrations is found in massagers, bed vibrators, chair vibrators, inwhich the lowfrequency vibrations are coupled to organic structures bydirect contact. All these are well known for their beneficial action instimulating circulation and in relaxing tensed muscles and high-strungnerves.

The higher frequency spectrum is in the range of generally 800,000c.p.s. to 3 million c.p.s. an example of the ultrahigh frequencyapplication of mechanical vibrations is in therapeutic or medicaldiathermy equipment, wherein the conversion of elastic energy waves intoheat are relied upon.

Briefly the applicant has now discovered that mechanical vibrations,properly transmitted to the biological system, in the frequency range offrom 16,000 c.p.s. to 100,000 c.p.s. as it applies to humans, canprovide beneficialtreatment without the known detrimental attributesassociated with the prior methods. The frequency selected in the rangefrom generally 500 c.p.s. to 600,000 c.p.s. may vary with the organicstructures under treatment, as for example plants, fish, livestock,etc., all of which may be treated in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention.

During the past several decades the foundation has been laid for a newbranch of physics, which should be called sonics. This branch of sciencecontemplates the use of mechanical vibrations for the treatment of anextraordinary variety of systems, such as are found in dentistry, metalfonning, flaw detection, machinery cleaning, welding, etc. As happenswith any new branch of physical science, there proliferates applicationsin other branches of science and the foundations are laid for newcombination sciences such as geosonics, biosonics, psychosonics and thelike. Although such designations do not yet exist in common parlance,nevertheless applicant is suggesting these to designate new areas ofscientific exploration.

In particular, biosonics contemplates the use of mechanical vibration oracoustic energy in the treatment of biological systems. In the case ofanimals, including man, one must differentiate between two effects dueto acoustic vibration. Sound, when received in the ear, is capable ofproducing a variety of inner biological phenomena, depending very muchin the psychological conditioning of the subject. Such treatment effectsbelong to psychosonics and are more in the category of the types ofphenomena usually associated with psychosomatic medicine. This importantarea of sonic effects is not contemplated in this invention.

What is under consideration in the present invention is the use ofmechanical vibrations from generally the sonic up to the low ultrasonicfrequency range. The underlying principle is the fact that mechanicalvibrations may be of two general kinds. The ordinary gross elasticvibrations of bodies or LII masses, belong to what are called coherentvibrations or waves. Coherence means that the vibration of the variousparts of the wave are in definite phase relation in time with oneanother. By contrast, one has the incoherent or phase disconnectedvibration to be found in solids and liquids and which, in general,comprise what is called the thermal energy" of a body.

Most ultrasonic vibration of ultrahigh frequency (I million c.p.s. andhigher) are currently widely used for treatment of biological systemsincluding medical therapy for humans. But, due to the high absorptioncoefficient of high-frequency mechanical or elastic waves, the coherentwave energy is rapidly dissipated into thermal energy or heat and-theeffects produced are mainly due to temperature rise in the hard and softtissues. In fact, medical ultrasonic therapy as practiced is severelylimited by this thermal effect. The dosage'of energy must be maintainedlow enough so that dangerous temperature rises will not occur in vitaltissue and organs. In this way the amount of coherent wave energyavailable for treatment purposes is very small.

This invention contemplates the achievement of just what thehigh-frequency therapy cannot do. By employing ultrasonic vibrations ashereinafter described, it is possible to put considerable quantities ofcoherent wave energy into biologicalsysterns without significanttemperature rise. This is lation of compression and tension stresses inthe structure.

This is a sort of micromassage" which has beneficial action on thegeneral tonus of the biological system.

Applicant has pioneered in this field especially in the dental andsurgical areas and has invented or coinvented numerous low-frequencyultrasonic devices, including an ultrasonic knife, U.S. Pat. No.3,086,288, an ultrasonic dental drill, U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,288, and anultrasonic prophylaxis unit, U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,904. Consistently, inthe field, it has been found that when the low-frequency energy isapplied to tissue, as say, in surgical or peridontal procedures, theresults have shown faster healing and healthier tissues. The presentinvention does not generally contemplate the direct application of thisvibration as just described.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is toprovide a variety of acoustical auditoriums or treatment enclosures sodesigned as to permit the generation of and transmission through thebiological structure positioned therein, of coherent elastic energywaves of sufficiently low absorption coefficient so as to obtain atherapeutic treatment to the biological structure.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for the treatment of organic structures by transmittingultrasonic waves therethrough at a frequency level to put considerablequantities of coherent elastic wave energy into the structure without asignificant temperature rise therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for the treatment of organic substructures to obtain the knownbeneficial results of applying mechanical vibrations thereto fortherapeutic purposes but without substantially increasing thetemperature level of the treated area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for irradiating an organic structure to obtain micro molecularmassage of the cells therein without the development-of excessive heatthereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus employing sonic elastic energy waves for the treatment ofbiological systems, such waves being'at a level below the cavitationalthreshold of the fluid medium within the cellular structure of thebiological system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for sonically treating humans and other animals at energylevels that are safe for their treatment.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for treating large portions of humans, and other animals,with ultrasonic vibrations without endangering the animal by possiblyincreasing the temperature level of the treated portion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for the treatment of plants and animals to increase theirgrowth rate.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for sonically treating seeds to stimulate them togerminate in a shorter period of time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method oftreatment to a biological system without severely limiting the movementof the system during its irradiation with coherent wave energy.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent asthe disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The outstanding and unexpected results obtainedby the practice of the method and apparatus of this invention areattained by a series of features, steps and elements assembled andworking together in interrelated combination. In its essential aspectsthe invention contemplates placing the organic structure to be treatedin an acoustic auditorium or enclosure of coherent elastic wave energywhich penetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible innerregion of the organic structure.

The acoustic enclosure may be in the form of a theatre. room, shower,bathtub, tank, swimming pool, aquarium, ocean. lake, etc., containing anelastic medium which acts as the path to transmit the coherent elasticenergy waves from its source to the organic element. The coherentelastic wave energy emanating from its source, preferably in the form ofa biosonic wall, emits mechanical vibrations in a frequency range thatwill permit the waves to intimately penetrate and traverse thebiological system while generating a level of intensity below thecavitational threshold of the fluid medium within the cellular structureof the organic structure. These waves effect a micromassage of thecellular components of the entire organic structure being treated, or aselected organ or part thereof, to obtain beneficial therapeuticresults.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the characteristic featuresof this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, theinvention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, maybe better understood by referring to the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows in somewhat schematic form an acoustic audi' torium for thetreatment of an organic structure situated therein in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section of a portion of the human anatomy showingthe wave front passing through the organic structure in FIG. I to helpillustrate the theory of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a diagram corresponding to a portion of FIG. 2 but comprisinga curve plotting amplitude of vibration against wave length of a simpleelastic wave passing through the organic structure;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 which illustrates the process aspracticed by the prior art;

FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 2A which illustrates the process aspracticed by the prior art;

FIGS. 4A. 4B and 4C are schematic illustrations of the treatment oforganic structures at different frequencies of vibration to help explainthe theory ofthe invention;

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate various forms of acoustic auditoriumsdesigned primarily for the treatment of animals with coherent elasticenergy waves during which time they are engaged in other activities;

FIGS. 9 and 9A are views showing another embodiment of the presentinvention adapted for the treatment of humans;

FIG. 10 shows another form of an acoustical auditorium designed to treatunderwater creatures'and plants; and

FIGS. 11, 12, and I3 illustrate other forms of the invention designed totreat plant or other life during varying stages of their development.

Similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings is intended to be exemplary ofarrangements that may be successfully employed to carry out thefunctions of delivering acoustical energy to a variety of organicstructures for beneficial efiects.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1 thereof, itwill be seen that an apparatus 10 for treating an organic structure orbiological system 15, for example a human, may include an acousticauditorium or chamber in the form of an enclosure 20, within which theorganic structure 15 is positioned. Since this invention permits thetreatment of a wide range of organisms from the microscopic to themacroscopic the size, shape and construction of the acoustic auditorium20 will vary. The physical characteristics of the acoustic auditoriumare also related to the properties of the elastic medium 21 throughwhich the acoustic energy is transmitted. If the elastic medium 21 is aliquid, such as water, then the acoustic auditorium may be in the fonnof a bathtub or rectangular tank having a bottom 22 and a pair ofupright sidewalls 24 and front and rear walls 25. If the fluid medium isin the form ofa gas or vapor then the acoustic auditorium need merelyhave means for confining the organic structure. One of the spaced-apartwalls 24 acts as a reflector surface so that the elastic energy wavespassing through the organic structure 15 are reflected for multipletreatment of the organic structure.

The ultrasonic elastic waves of a compressional wave form are producedby a transducer 30 which is energized by an oscillation generator 32,with a power cable 34 connecting the two together. The generator 32 isan oscillator adapted to produce electrical energy having an ultrasonicfrequency. The transducer 30 may be one of a variety of electromechanical types, such as electrodynamic, piezoelectric,magnetostrictive or hydrodynamic. The hydrodynamic type needs acompressor and is entirely mechanical except for motors to run thecompressor. The operating frequency may be in the higher sonic orultrasonic ranges, but preferably in the order of 16,000 to 100,000c.p.s. when treating humans. Preferably the transducer 30 and generator32 may be operated at both a fixed frequency or modulated over a definedfrequency range. The specific oscillation generator 32 and transducer 30for accomplishing the result may be conventional, and as such, adetailed description thereof need not be included in this disclosuresince it is known to those skilled in the art. The transducer 30 has avibratory output surface or biosonic wall 36 which is immersed in theelastic medium 21 and when energized will transmit a series of coherentelastic energy waves 38 through the elastic medium 21 and through thehuman 15. Support means 40 in the form of a bracket is provided tosupport the transducer in the tank 20.

The frequency modulation of the elastic waves 38 is important in that byvarying the frequency over a defined range and wavelength band thesettling of permanent foci of energy is prevented. At the same time thispermits the generation of effects due to possible resonances in theorganic system. This is highly desirable when treating biologicalsystems of a complex nature to obtain a sufficient stimulation of avariety of the body organisms that have different acousticalcharacteristics.

The elastic wave-generating means 30, may be of the variable frequencynonresonant type, whereas other means of highfrequency ultrasonicapparatus used for treatment ETst (mat resonance.

Since we do not wish to destroy the cells in the organic structure butmerely subject them to a degree of flexure the energy level of theelastic waves in the acoustic auditorium 20 must also be within afrequency range such that the elastic waves 38 when penetrating andtraversing the organic structure generates a level of intensity belowthe cavitational threshold of the fluid medium within the organicstructure.

Since this embodiment of the invention is illustrated with a humanbeing, we have specific glands, organs, and nerve complexes which havedefinite shapes and dimensions. Acoustically each such substructure islike an acoustic auditorium within the main acoustic auditorium of theentire structure. Through preliminary testing in a given case the linearlength of the structure in the direction of the waves is determined andthe frequencies specific to such structure can be selected. The use ofwhite noise and a panaramoscope have been found useful for suchpurposes. In this way it is possible to select appropriate bands offrequency for the frequency-modulated energy to be introduced throughthe agency of the biosonic wall 36.

As seen in FIG. 1 the human is placed in spaced relationship to thebiosonic wall 36 and in spaced relationship to the opposite sidewall 24.The opposite sidewall 24 acts as an acoustic reflector so that theenergy waves 38 moving along a generally linear path that pass throughthe human 15 are reflected and again are transmitted through the elasticmedium 21 and human 15. Since a heating of the human tissue is notrelied upon, the human may enter the tank prior or subsequent to thebiosonic wall 36 being vibrated. The duration of the treatment will bedependent upon the area of the body requiring the stimulation or whetherthe entire submerged portion of the body requires the treatment.

If we consider sound in its travel let us consider each blood vessel,fatty deposit, tendon, muscle fibre and each interlying film of fluid asindividual targets, against which the sound waves must first impingebefore they can penetrate. Sound waves which are longer in dimensionthan the target which they strike have a tendency to either wrap aroundor penetrate the target with little or no reflection. This indicatesthat there will be little or no deposit of heat within the tissue wherelong waves are used, for example in the range of 16,000 c.p.s. tol00,000 c.p.s. for humans.

Conversely a sound wave which is shorter than the linear dimension ofthe target which it strikes will not penetrate so readily, because ofthe inefficient coupling at each interface formed where two differentsubstances lie one against the other. A portion of the wave will bereflected back from each interface and will subsequently convert to heatat the point of reflection. Thus, the higher the frequency which may beused in ultrasonic therapy the less penetration will be had and thegreater will be the heat deposits within the tissue which is penetrated.

l have found that by properly selecting the length of the elastic waves38 for the size of the organic structure 15 it is possible to obtain themicromassage with a minimal of heat buildup. Generally the frequency forhumans is tailored so that the linear length of the organic structureunder treatment, in the direction of the elastic wave, is substantiallyequal to an integral odd or even number of wavelengths at the selectedfrequency of vibration.

In practice a frequency of vibration for the generator is selected forexample at 25 kc./sec., and is frequency modulated to avoid persistentresonant effects in the organic substructures within a 2,000 c.p.s.range. In this manner the elastic waves 38 vary between 24 kc. and 26kc. It is important that the intensity is well below the cavitationthreshold of the fluid medium in the organic structure 15 and theelastic medium 21 in the acoustic auditorium 20. A good rule of thumb isthat the intensity of vibration should be selected at one tenth of thecavitational threshold, the values of which are available in variousbooks on ultrasonic energy. It is also possible to modulate the waves byusing a preselected musical tape in the range of 22.5 kc. to 27.5 kc.with the tape limited to 5,000

c.p.s. peak.

Whereas a scientific explanation of the theory based on observation ofthe phenomena involved is disclosed below. It is to be clearlyunderstood that the invention is by no means limited by any suchscientific explanation.

The theory of the present invention is initially explained with respectto FIGS. 2 and 2A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion 16 of a homogeneousorganic structure of the human anatomy 15, such as the liver, composedof a series of cellular structures 17 containing a fluid medium 18therebetween. When the oscillation generator 32 is energized the outputsurface 36 will create a series of coherent elastic energy waves 38(FIG. 2), which appear as wave fronts moving in spaced relation to eachother, one wavelengthJt, apart along line 0-0. These waves are coupledand transmitted to the organic structure 15 by means of the elasticmedium 21. The wave pattern 39 of a single moving wave 38 is illustratedin FIG. 2A as it passes along line a-a, through the enlarged portion 16of a homogeneous organic structure over the distance p-p'. The spacingbetween the waves in the organic structure mightbe further apart than inthe fluid medium 21 because of the difference in the speed of sound inthe fiuid medium and the organic structure. The wave is purely physical,or mechanical in nature in that each complete wave includes an area ofcompression 42 in one half of the wave and a corresponding area oftension or rarefaction 44 in the other half of the wave. Thus, it may beunderstood that soundwaves in passing through any material create aseries of alternate areas of pressure and tension, in which particlemotion is extremely slow yet the magnitude of acceleration is high.

The speed of sound travel varies greatly through various substances. Forinstance it is approximately I,l00 feet per second in air and 4,860 feetper second in sea water. Inasmuch as the animal body is made up of fattytissue, muscle fiber and bone, interleaved with lubricating fluids orfluid mediums and each of these materials have a differentsound-conducting speed, the sound travel through the body may beestimated at approximately 3,500 to 4, feet per second.

As seen in FIG. 2A the amplitude, A of vibration remains substantiallyconstant as the wave 39 is propagated and penetrates intimately into andthrough living tissue for producing certain effects therein. Byemploying ultrasonic vibrations for humans in the frequency range offrom 16,000 c.p.s. to l00,000 c.p.s., it is possible to put considerablequantit es of coherent wave energy into a biological system without asignificant temperature rise. This is due to the fact that theabsorption coefficient of mechanical vibrations rises at least linearlywith frequency. In fact, in bony tissue it rises as the square offrequency and in soft tissue as the first power of the frequency. Forexample, if the absorption coefficient of l mc/sec waves is some value,X, then at 16 kc./p.s. The absorption coefficient is only 1 percent ofX. Thus, at 16 kc./p.s. practically all the elastic energy transmittedinto tissue remains as elastic energy. This means that looking at anysmall part of a biological structure, the passing of an elastic wave 38causes a rapid oscillation or compression 42 and tension stresses 44 inthe structure. This is a sort of micromassage which has beneficialaction on the general tonus of the biological system.

For a clearer understanding of the present invention a brief discussionof the prior art method of treatment is provided in conjunction withFIGS. 3 and 3A, which show similar cross sections of an organic element16' as shown as in FIGS. 2 and 2A respectively, except that the elasticwave pattern 39' is of a different form which results in a substantialheating of the organic structure [5' and it passes therethrough.

The prior art as briefly illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, makes use of thephenomenon of the high absorption coefficient of high frequencymechanical or elastic waves, the elastic wave energy is rapidlydissipated into thermal energy and the effects produced are mainly dueto temperature rise in the hard and soft tissues. Muscular areas of thebody are made up of alternate layers of fatty tissue, connective tissueand muscle fiber in the form of the cells l7. These layers areinterspersed and separated by minutely thin layers of fluid 18. Each ofthese substances has a slightly different speed of sound conduction.Therefore coupling is somewhat less than perfect at each interface.Thus, small amounts of the sound energy are reflected back from eachinterface and converted to heat. This heat is deposited locally, in thepath of the sound beam and distribution is fairly even in all tissuewhich the beam penetrates.

Thus. when the elastic waves 38' are transmitted from the fluid medium21' through the cellular structure 17' along line H, at a frequency inthe order of l million c.p.s. the amplitude of vibration A of the wave39' entering the portion I" of the organic structure decreases inamplitude and we have a high absorption over the distance p-p' of theelastic wave 3.. Due to this conversion, the elastic waves 38' do notpass through the organic structure but terminate therein andsubstantially raise the temperature level of the organic structure. Thisalso prevents their possible use for a multiple treatment of the organicstructure.

Additional discussion of the concepts of the present invention, anddistinguishing characteristics between the prior art and the presentinvention are contained in the discussion that follows below.

In order to understand the nature of the broad invention involved here,it is necessary to see in detail how the frequency of an elastic waverelates to the sizes of the organic structures involved in the path ofsaid wave.

The terms organic structure" and organic substructure" are used hereinto point out that both an entire biological system, i.e. human or aportion thereof, i.e. heart, both may be treated in accordance with theinvention. Therefore, in the specification, including the claimedinvention, the terms may be used interchangeably.

A plane wave of longitudinal vibrations is sufficiently typical toillustrate the points desired. Of course, such a wave will have onefrequency, f, but a different wave length), for each substance ittraverses. When traversing a medium the speed, c, of the wave equals fxh and is also equal to lE/ (E Young's Modulus, p density). Furthermorethe displacemeat}, of any point in the medium from its normal equilibrium position is given by the equation:

t z =5 sin 21- So we see that the disturbance created by the wave in themedium is simple harmonic vibration both in time and space. If we selecta specific time, to, then we have 2J2 f-E. 5m 21( X) 80 at this fixedtime r,=;. sin 21 at z= t d and at z-d sin .21 n From this last equationit is clear that when d=nh where n=1,2,3, we have b== sin (21- 2-2?) t.sin 2: 7 5

So the value of repeats itself in space for a fixed time, t,, at spaceddistances of one wave length each. This means that between :e= o and z=h, 5, goes through one complete cycle of phases. Now, on the other handif we is the x coordinate at z=d, then and we see that 5 goes through acomplete cycle of phases as t varies from O to r. The quantitativerelations are,

The strain on the medium is -g=s, and the excess local pressure (ortension) is p Es.

When we see that both p and s are 90 out of phase with the displacement.

But we may write for the strain difference over the length, b, asfollows:

This expression may be examined for maximum strain change across thedistance b (the length of the organic substructure) For b-h we get max=2for b=)./,.

where n is a whole no.

Looking at the wave in the medium for time t to and considering thethree cases we really have graphically, for an organic structure orsubstructure sitting at a region of maximum strain, what is illustratedin FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Case I being illustrated in FIG. A, case II inFIG. 4B and case III in FIG. 4C.

Clearly for the same size structure, 1:, case I corresponds to a lowfrequency, while cases II and III correspond to progressively higherfrequencies. In case I the maximum strain variation over the organism isrelatively small. In fact, in the limit we approach the case where itmoves essentially as a unit.

Case I is analogous to a cork bobbing on the water as water waves passby. But case II is more like the motion of a good sized boat caught inocean waves. While some of the boat is in a trough, some is, at the sametime, at a crest. This causes severe strains on the boat and under badcondition it may even break up. In case III a number of strain reversalsoccur in a single substructure and so we will find at one timecompressions and tensions present at the same time in different parts ofthe organism.

To get a feeling for orders of magnitude, let us consider soft tissue inan animal. The speed of the waves, c, is about L590 m./sec. Then we getTABLE 1 if and X for c-l,590 m./sec.]

Now, just what happens mechanically to a structure, b, when it moves toand fro as a whole, with a minimal strain difference within thestructure Clearly, the structure is not stretched or compressed verymuch. but instead just oscillates with an amplitude 5.. at a frequency.f. This corresponds to an acceleration.

A peak= 41- 1. If we measure E in microns we can compute the value ofcla in g.'s per micron.

Table l I shows the equivalent alternating gravitational field thestructure. b, experiences for a I micron amplitude of vibration. Above5,000 c.p.s. this acceleration field is greater than a human organism asa whole can withstand. This kind of shaking alone can stimulatesecondary vibrations on the substructure and thus provide beneficialstimulation. However, this is the sort of stimulation (in kind) which isprovided by the numerous types of low-frequency vibrations currently inuse. I refer to vibratory platforms for foot relaxation, and vibratorybeds and chairs, also used for general body relaxation. Then there arehand-held vibrators such as used by barbers and also for home use intreating tensed muscles, headaches and the like.

But, even at this level (b we must remember that the substructure, b,may be only a small fraction of the organism.

' For example, if b, corresponds to a single cell, then the organismwill present a whole chain of cells to the incoming elastic wave, and ifthe length of the chain is nb (n large whole no), then this chain,considered as a structure, b, will correspond to either case II or caselll whereby substantial local alternating stresses may be stimulated inthe structure, b. Thus, it may be seen that the methods contemplated inthis invention include an enormous versatility in manipulating innerorgans at will. In this an we are not contemplating vibrating the bodyas a whole, as is done with the low-frequency vibration mentioned above.Such vibrators are in the 60-120 c.p.s. class.

Now, as we approach the situation in case lll (b A) we can approach thesituation where, within the substructure, b, many alternations of stressoccur. That is, the structure, b, is set into a vibrating stateinvolving compression followed by tension, followed by compression,followed by tension all within the linear path of b, which is parallelto the elastic wave. Without going deeply into absorption theory, it issufficient to point out here that the higher the number of suchalternations there are for a single substructure, b, the greater will bethe conversion of the elastic wave energy into thermal energy therebyheating the organism.

This is a range, in which, also, is not contemplated in this invention.This art, which is commonly practiced today by the medical profession,is essentially a method for selectively heating organic structures,especially bones and bone marrow in the treatment of such conditions asrheumatism, arthritis, bursitis, etc. I mention bony structures becauseat high frequencies of ultrasonic vibration, hard tissues have muchhigher absorption coefficients than soft tissues. In fact, it ispossible to heat bone marrow on a selective basis, which, for example,is not possible for diathermy techniques. The frequency range used forthis selective heating by means of ultrasonic elastic waves is generally1 m.c.p.s. or higher. Again let it be emphasized that the broad scope ofthis invention does not contemplate the use of this high-frequencyrange.

This is because it is of the essence of the invention to providecoherent elastic wave energy either pervasively or selectively toorganic structures. The frequency ranges employed in each case areselected so that coherence of the energy is mainly preserved, while onlya relatively minor portion is converted into incoherent or thermalenergy.

in order to understand this for complex structures such as 5 the humanbody, it is necessary to emphasize that a beam of elastic wave energywill attenuate generally due to two effects, these are:

1. Scattering or deflection of the elastic wave.

2. Absorption of the elastic wave with conversion to thermal energy.

Now, with respect to l, we have a situation similar to that found in anyarchitectural acoustic auditorium problem. One gets repeatedreflections, echoes, reverberations, etc., which result in a complexpattern of coherent elastic wave energy distributed throughout theauditorium. All of this energy will produce mechanical vibration effectson the various parts of the organism in accordance with the principlesobtained in the foregoing analysis. Just as it is well known thatarchitectural acoustics is extraordinarily complex, so it is with thepatterns set up in a complex organism by means of incident elasticwaves. However, as we shall see, if the substructures present, namely,b1, b2, ...bn, are diagnosed" as to size and location (this may be donewith X-ray, ultrasonograph or any other 5 suitable diagnostictechnique), then it is possible by tailoring" the elastic wave generatorto provide selective coherent energy inputs into desired locations. Wewill give examples of this below.

As to 2, we always select elastic waves of a frequency range such thatthermal absorption effects are held to a minimum. In other words thefrequency ranges chosen are such that the or ganism is essentiallytransparent." This means that in any homogeneous substructure, b, theinput elastic wave traverses the substructure with only a small amountof conversion to thermal energy, such that the therapeutic effectsproduced are due primarily to a sort of micromassage."

Thus, we have ruled out the very low frequency vibrators, generally inthe 60/120 c.p.s. range and the very high-frequency range abovel/m.c.p.s. It is precisely the discovery of the low-ultrasonic frequency(which includes a significant portion of the sonic range) range andtheir coherent wave energy effects which constitute the heart of theinvention, This came about because the applicant has pioneered in thisso-called low-ultrasonic frequency range for many years and hasdemonstrated through the numerous patents issued to him,

that he has a deep understanding of the many effects which are uniquelyproducible both in the industrial and biological fields by various kindsof this type of wave energy. Applicant is not unaware of the beneficialresults arising so from the use of the l m.c.p.s. range in producingthermal effects primarily. In fact, by control of the low-frequencyrange in a proper technological manner, it is possible to producethermal effects of considerable magnitude in the low-frequency range.This is possible by using shear waves of low frequency instead oflongitudinal or compressional waves. such as we have been discussing sofar. Shear waves have a very high absorption coefficient for softorganic straines. In fact applicant has employed such effect in theinvention of the ultrasonic knife whereby the rubbing action of theultrasonic vibration of the knife edge may be controlled so as toproduce bloodless surgery. Such a technique is extremely safe andsuperior to ordinary bloodless surgery with electric cautery, becausethe high absorption coefficient of the shear waves produced restrictsthe damaged cells, to a very thin superficial layer.

This marvelous property of the low-frequency range, contemplated in thisinvention, whereby shear waves will not propagate to any appreciabledistance, while longitudinal waves pass through homogeneous parts of thestructure very much as light waves traverse glass, is unique andindicates the flexibility and versatility of the broad treatment methodscontemplated herein.

Another note of importance in this field relates to the fact that thelow-frequency range of interest to this invention has already foundnumerous biological applications. "However. a perusal of the art willshow that most of the efi'ects produced have been due to the destructiveproperties of low-frequency waves of high intensity. The destruction ofcells and the preparation of serums and other useful destructive effectsare attributable to the cavitation produced in the fluids in which theorganic structures are immersed. The methods contemplated by thisinvention specifically avoid just this phenomenon of cavitation and, infact, in all cases utilize cooperating equipment monitored so thatnoncavitating coherent elastic waves of compression and rarefaction areintroduced into the treatment area. The entire aim of the presentinvention is to use the elastic wave energy indicated for beneficialtreatment purposes ranging all the way from simple physiotherapy, whichmay be practiced at home or at a physiotherapist 's office, to medicalcourses of treatment handled by competent medical personnel to relieveor cure specific maladies. The goals of the treatment methodscontemplated will vary very much, depending for example, on the problem.The task of benefiting plant growth both as to rate of growth and sizeattainable; the task of treating either botanical seeds, or thezoological seeds (such as eggs and embryos in utero), the task oftreating a specific organ in a complex structure such as an animal or ahuman being, the task of general low-level irradiation of organisms forthe purpose of raising the general "tonus of the organism and the healthand resistance to disease. All these tasks are different in kind, yetfall under the same generic technique of this invention. Also, in eachcase, different arrangements and designs of associated equipment arenecessary to the accomplishment of the goal.

Perhaps the most general principle, discovered by the applicant, whichillustrates the great power of the methods contemplated, may be statedas what he calls the Thermal Equivalence Principle. The principleasserts in effect that the kinetic energy of the basic particles of anaggregate may consist of both coherent and incoherent components and thecoherent components are capable of producing effects similar to thoseproduced by elevated temperatures, except that the coherent energy doesnot raise the temperature. Thus, it is possible with coherent elasticwave energy to produce at room temperature results which normallyrequire high temperature. industrial examples of this are found inultrasonic welding of metals and plastics, in forming, extruding anddrawing metals, and in low-temperature insertion of metal into plasticparts. Applicant is either an inventor or coinventor in all of theseareas which have proved industrial usefulness.

When the same idea is carried over to the biological structure we havethe extraordinary possibility of treating an organism with coherentelastic wave energy and thereby producing effects corresponding to hightemperatures, but which don't eventuate because of the transparency ofthe organism to the frequency range employed. In these cases there isthe uniquely new feature, that at the equivalent high-temperature rangethe organism would be destroyed and could not therefore exist. But byutilizing coherent wave energy this lethal temperature rise is avoidedand it is possible to introduce greater levels of elastic energy intoorgans than was ever before possible. In the high-ultrasonic frequencyrange for example, very high intensity levels of elastic energy are usedonly when it is a question of performing ultrasonic surgery as in thedestruction of small brain tumors. It is the high absorption of thehigh-frequency wave which does the job in this case.

So, I believe the stage is now completely set, whereby applicant hasdescribed the general principles adequately to show the differences fromthe prior art of the novel methods contemplated herein.

in the case of the treatment of a specific organ or substructure, b, itis generally preferred to be in the frequency range of case ll (b"k). Infact, maximum stress variation over the organ involved will occur for b=A/2. Suppose, for example, it is desired to stimulate the heart of ananimal. With the aid of an ultrasonograph (well known to those skilledin the art) it is easily possible to obtain a three-dimensional image ofthe organ. Suppose the linear dimension in the direction of propagationof the elastic wave to be used, is 2 inches. This is 5.08

cm.s. If this taken as M2, then from table I, a frequency of about 17.1kc.p.s. is indicated as producing the maximal stress differential acrossthe heart. lrradiation at this frequency will then produce a mosteffective massage" of the heart with the associated benefits accruingfrom this treatment. If one wishes to be still more selective, a whitesound" generator may be employed to irradiate the heart region of theanimal in the direction in which treatment will later be introduced. Apickup scanning receiver of the white sound may be displayed on apanoramoscope spectrum analyser. Study of the spectrum in the 17.1 kc.region will show absorption maxima which correspond to the heart actingas a sonic energy wave trap. Once this frequency band is determined, theintroduction of corresponding longitudinal elastic waves will"oscillate" the heart. By suitable low-frequency amplitude modulation ofthe treatment waves, it is even possible to cause the heart to oscillatein addition to the high frequency (or carrier wave) at its normalnatural rhythm. Thus applicant's method may be likened to a techniquefor nondestructively entering live organisms with elastic carrier wavesand then with these invisible elastic fingers" mechanically affectdesired organs in the body. It is certainly obvious that just thistechnique alone reveals the extraordinary possibilities inherent in thebroad coherent wave energy methods contemplated in the invention.

Then, again consider bony structures such as the vertebrae of the spinalcolumn or the many small bones found in the various body joints. Withcoherent elastic wave energy it is possible to loosen and temporarilylubricate the bony junctions involved. In general it is known thatcoherent elastic wave energy, due to the Thermal Equivalence Principle,can cause significant reduction in the viscosity of body fluids and alsoreduce friction of contiguous joints.

Another example of the present invention, which may be practiced withthe apparatus of F IG. 1, is the daily irradiation, at a preselectedfrequency, of the growing embryo invivo, say, a human, cow, pig, sheepetc. The change in size of the embryo will call for a progressivelylonger wavelength of elastic energy and this may be easily determined byultrasonograph, with which the linear dimension of the embryo may besafely determined (not so with X-rays). This treatment may begin whenthe organic structure is in the form of a fertilized ovum.

The examples so far cited are merely by way of indicating techniquessuitable for the preferential treatment of specific organs. However,there is still the broad physiotherapy field whereby the treatment ofsubstantially the whole organism is contemplated for the generallybeneficial results arising from raising the tonus" of the individual orotherwise affecting him as a whole. This technique calls for a tank orenclosure whereby the individual to be treated, is submerged in a fluidmedium and every effort is made to match the elastic wave generator tothis medium, which in turn provides efficient introduction of coherentwave energy into said individual. When such a technique is employed, itis preferred to frequencymodulate the elastic waves so that there willnot be any continuous resonant stimulation of specific organs. In thisway the whole organism may be benefited, and when any particular organreceives a resonant frequency dosage, this will be of such shortduration that there is an ample resting time between cycles ofmodulation.

Further, in such cases, there are those instances where it is desired tomodulate the carrier wave energy in accordance with some harmoniouspattern, such as is typified, for example, by music. For example, apatient submerged in a bathtub of warm water, being irradiated bymodulated ultrasonic elastic waves such that the modulation will producepreselected musical compositions, will have psychosonic benefits addedto the general toning-up stimuli. If the patient is a depressedindividual in a mental hospital, then the music should be calculated tolift him out of the depressive state. it must be appreciated that musicreceived in this way throughout the organism is a completely differentphenomenon than the usual method of listening to aerial acousticvibration.

It is further evident that. if the patient were in an overexcited state,the modulation should be altered so as to produce music which issoothing and restful. This is completely in line with techniquescurrently used, whereby colors are utilized to aid in altering the moodof a patient in a desired direction.

These same techniques may be extended and combined with colors throughthe use of swimming pools, and other special enclosures for generaloverall beneficial micromassage to individuals. An interesting variantin this area is the adaptation of a fish tank so that an elastic wavegenerator may be used to irradiate the fish in the tank, especially withmusical vibration, which attract the fish and produce underwaterswimming maneuvers. In connection with plant life, hydroponic farmingpresents a very favorable situation for the novel methods hereindisclosed. Fairly high frequencies are employed during the genninationperiod of the plants. Then as the plants grow progressive reductions infrequency are employed in order to maintain a high level of stimulationin the larger plant section.

ADDITIONAL FORMS OF THE INVENTION As illustrated hereinabove, variousmeans are available for determining both the frequency band and range ofthe coherent elastic energy waves in the treatment of organicstructures. It is appreciated that other techniques may be employed toselect the frequency and the pattern thereof in practicing theinvention.

In FIGS. -9, I illustrate additional ways in which the invention may beapplied to animals and particularly humans. This may be accomplishedwhile the humans are engaged in their normal everyday activities forexample, taking a shower, being entertained in a theatre, swimming in apool or just eating or sleeping in their home. Since in most cases, forhumans, the frequency of vibration will be above the audible range oftheir hearing, there is no need for noise suppressors. If it is foundthat for the treatment of a specific organ or part of the body itresponds best to a lower frequency, ie. 5,000 c.p.s. then earplugs maybe worn by the person being treated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a form of the invention a in which the acousticauditorium 20a is a shower having spaced-apart sidewalls 240, a rearwall 250 and a bottom 22a, forming a waterproof enclosure with watersupply means in the form of conduit 45 and controlled by valve means 46for the hot water and valve means 47 for the cold water. The human aafter entering the shower manually engages the switch means 48 to theON" position and causes the generator 320 to operate.

Current passes through cable 34a to the transducer means 30a and thelatter is coupled to the shower wall 240 so that the latter will vibrateas a biosonic wall 36a and transmit energy waves 380 via the elasticmedium 21a, primarily air, to the human 15a. The coherent elastic waveswhich pass through the human are then reflected by the opposite wall 240for a secondary treatment.

The frequency of vibration may be controlled by the person taking theshower by adjusting the frequency control means having knob 50 containedwithin the shower for the adjustment. The switching means and frequencycontrol means are wired to the generator in any conventional manner. Thefrequency of vibration is preferably modulated over a given frequencyrange to prevent a foci of energy in a given area and to be assured thatthe energy penetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible innerregions of the body. Since the biosonic wall 360 is also of a largearea, various patterns of loops and nodes will appear, by varying thevibration pattem' of the wall. stresses which might fatigue and crackthe biosonic wall 36 are prevented. The OFF" switching means 49 isactivated when the person is done showering.

Although the vertical sidewalls 24a are generally illustrated as havingthe transducers coupled thereto, it is appreciated that the floor andceiling are also walls of the acoustic chamber. Thus, the transducer maybe mounted behind or beneath the ceiling or beneath the floor of thechamber since these are also walls within the defined invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another form 10b of the invention for treating a'great number of organic structures, such as humans 15b, in an acousticauditorium 20b in the form of a theatre. While the humans 15b are busilyinvolved in the show or motion picture on the stage or screen 52. theyare receiving coherent elastic energy waves for the treatment of theirbodies. For example these elastic energy waves can be selected toproduce an effect that might complement the attraction on the stage ormovie screen.

The elastic waves 38b within the acoustic auditorium 20b are emitted bya plurality of transducers 30b, which are wired together by cable 34b,which in turn is connected to the generator 32b. The wall 46 acts as ourbiosonic wall 36b and is of sufi'icient area to transmit elastic ivayesacross the auditorium for treatment of the humans therein. The oppositewall 46 may act as a reflector.

FIG. 7 is another form of the invention 106, in which the humans l5cillustrated may be engaged in another activity during the treatmentperiod. The acoustic auditorium 20c may be in the form of a swimmingpool having a bottom 22c, front and rear walls 250 and sidewalls 240.Support legs 54 may be provided to support the swimming pool. 7,

The transducers 30c are mounted on oneof the sidewalls 24c and when thegenerator 32c is energized and the current flows through cable 34c tothe transducers, the sidewall 24c acts as a biosonic wall 36c totransmit elastic waves 380 through the elastic medium 21c which isprimarily water. The elastic waves may then be reflected off theopposite wall of the pool for a secondary treatment. The walls of theswimming pool may be made of any material capable of vibrating in theultrasonic frequency range as for example, metal, glass, plastic or evenconcrete.

FIG. 8 illustrates the invention 10d as it applies to the home in whichthe organic structures 15d may be humans and pets. Since the coherentelastic waves are silent we can conduct our normal activities and stillreceive the beneficial effects of the micromassage of the body. Theacoustic auditorium 20d may consist of a room having front and rearwalls 25d with sidewalls 24d. The transducers 30d may either be in theroom or mounted on the walls and connected together by means of cables34d. In one room we see a human asleep and in another at a table, bothcarrying on their normal functions.

In accordance with the invention there is also the class of elastic wavetransducers which are essentially used as treatment devices, while beinginserted into a medium through which it is desired to pass coherent waveenergy to the desired organic structure. Such devices can range from anenema tube fitted with a contoured tool for transmission of the coherentwave energy to the hardened body wastes, as is found in constipation andillustrated in FIG. 9, to large cultivators such as are used on farms,whose prongs supply the elastic wave energy to the soil during centralcultivation and as illustrated in FIG. 13. Also such insertion wavetransducers may just be planted beneath the soil for either continuousor periodic treatment of areas containing growing plants.

Insertion wave transducers for the sea are essentially like sonar wavetransducers except that they are preferably operated on a continuouswave basis. However, such transducers are preferably combined withsubmerged specially placed partitions which serve to create an underseaacoustic auditorium within which sea life may be treated with elasticcoherent wave energy. Along this same line conduits or ducts may be usedto feed through sea life of various kinds which will during passagereceive a prescribed intensity of coherent elastic wave energy.Incidentally, insertion-type wave transducers may also be extremelysmall as in the case of the dimension of a very small-size hypodermicneedle. The vibrating needle may be small enough to penetrate a singlecell organism and thereby inject coherent wave energy within theconfines of the cell. Of course, this enables one to establish thespecific site of energy injection, but of course some of the energyflows into the surrounding medium since the cell membrane will notprevent the passage of elastic waves. The purpose of such treatment iscompletely opposite to the usual use of low ultrasonic frequency wavesof high intensity, which are used to completely destroy cells andmicroscopic biological entities for the purposes of making extractionsand other tests. In our cse 8 in all others the intensity is maintainedbelow cavitatioaal levels on the biological materials involved. The aimis, rather. beneficial stimulation. preserving the organism intact andwith improved life functions.

Any cavity of an animal body (including human) which may be safelyfilled with liquid (as for example in stomach X-raying procedures may atthe same time receive an insertion wave generator for coherent waveenergy treatment of the walls of the organic cavity. The size of thewave generator is proportinned so as to permit entry into the cavitythrough one of the opening in the oral and nasal cavities. including thesinus and other accessible cavities on the body.

no. 9 illustrates form 10: of the present invention used for "he" theelective viscosity of hardened body waste in the W tract. The coherentwave energy is coupled to the human Ile by direct contact. Thetransmission might occur when the human a is seated on a toilet stool55. An enema Iaembly 5, of general known description, having a tube 57eatendirg therefrom and coupled to a contoured tool 58, as illufl'ded inFIG. 9A, adapted to be inserted in the rectum of fie human. The tool 50may be made from plastic or metal capable of a high transmission ofultrasonic vibrations. Secured to the wall of the tool 58 is atransducer 30c small enough in size to be contained therein. Thetransducer 30a is in turn coupled to a generator 32c. When the tool 58is intested wihin the human 15c the coherent vibrations will betransmitted to the intestinal tubes and reduce the viscosity of thehardened body wastes.

Gher forms of ultrasonic transducers may be employed to Vibrfle the tool50, as for example the devices illustrated in US. Pat. Nos. 3,086,288,3,075,288 and 3,075,904 as previot-ly referred to.

h ms. 10-13, 1 illustrate various ways in which the invoice may beapplied to underwater life and plants in vari- 0. stages of development.The embodiment of the invention IQ, illustrated in FIG. I. is similar innature to that of FIG. 1, eacept that the form of the organic structuresbeing treated are different, and the undersea acoustic auditorium f,con- :7 organic structures from the fish family 60 and plant fami- I 'Icontemplated that the biosonic wall 36] contained therein could aseasily be placed in a lake, pond, stream, river, ocean, or any form ofenclosure containing therein specimens afthe IHI family 0, plant life Iseparately or together and is not limited to an aquarium but merelyillustrative of the broad concept of the invention. The acousticenclosure 20f is in the form of an aquarium having a rectangular frame62 with glass sidewals w and front and rear walls with a bottom 22f. Theplltts I are supported in sand or gravel 63 on the bottom of theaqua-him.

The elastic medium 2]] is water and the coherent elastic waves I] arepropagated through the water by means of the M wall Jf which is vibratedby transducer 301' and the her I supported within the h the form of abracket The oscillation generator 32f is conhe to the trallducer bymeans of the power cable 40]. 'lticalarly since we are subjectingvarious species of organic flucttles to the acoustic wave energy 38], itis desirable that M iaqsency of vibrations is selected in a range suchthat we obta'm the transmision of the coherent elastic wave energy roughthe fish 60 and plants 51 with a minimal conversion of h energy to heat.Since for plants and fish we are not coneemed with the audible frequencyas much as in humans, the fiequency range may be in the order of 500 to600,000 c.p.s. Test 68 be conducted for various specimens of plants 51and H 0. to first determine the critical frequency range as to themitational threshold and the conversion to thermal energy. M thi isdetermined the home unit for the aquarium can be It for the properfrequency, or suitable frequency patterns, to

aquarium by support means 34) stimulate the growth of fish and plants inenclosures of various forms.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention 103, inwhich it is desirable to treat quantities of organic structures 15g,such as seeds or eggs. The acoustical auditorium 20g is supported onlegs 65 that are of sufficient height to permit the coupling beneath itof the transducer 30g. The power cable 40g is connected to the generator32g. The enclosure 20g is open on the top to permit the insertion andremoval of the organic structures. Sidewalls 24g and front and rearwalls 25g which are joined together by a bottom 22g which acts as thebiosonic wall 36g of the acoustical auditorium 20g. By coupling thetransducer 30; to the underside of the bottom wall 22g it is possible tovibrate the entire biosonic wall 36g so that all of the organicstructures may be treated at one time.

The organic structures 15g illustrated, are seeds 56 that are placed inthe acoustic auditorium 20; for treatment. The stimulation is providedin the form of coherent elastic waves which pass through the seeds 56and are intended to stimulate them, so when planted they will germinatein a reduced period of time, as compared to those not treated, and growinto a healthier plant, tree etc. The elastic waves are modulated over aselected frequency range to distribute the energy since loops and nodesof vibration would otherwise tend to exist on the biosonic wall 36g.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment 101: of the invention wherein thebiosonic wall 361: is of sufficient size to treat large areas with thehigh-frequency elastic waves 3%. A variety of organic elements 15h suchas trees and plants may be treated in open fields in which theacoustical auditorium 20h is formed by vertically maintaining a biosonicwall 361: in spaced relation to a reflecting wall 68. A plurality oftransducers 301: are coupled to the biosonic wall 68 and the cable joinsthem together and in turn is connected to generator 32h. The biosonicwall is simply a plate such as metal, hard plastic or glass with thetransducers 30!: coupled to one side thereof. Although one transducer30!: may be employed, for certain size walls more than one ispreferable. The walls 361: and I are in spaced relationship to eachother and may be anchored to the ground in any conventional manner notshown. The organic elements 15): illustrated as plants 69, are containedbetween the walls.

As the generator 32!: supplies to the transducers 30!! a continuouslyvariable frequency signal, the biosonic wall 361! will respond at anumber of flexural resonance points. The frequency range may be in theorder of 500 c.p.s. to 600,000 c.p.s. The lower frequency which isaudible is only desirable for remote areas. The transducers 30h may bein the form of loudspeakers for some of the applications in the lowerrange. As previously explained with respect to humans the criteria onminimal conversion to heat of the elastic waves and that they passthrough the plants 69 is important.

FIG. 13, illustrates a transducers of the invention 10] in which thecoherent elastic energy waves Jlj are transmitted through the soil 70which acts as the fluid medium through which the waves travel to theroots of the plants lSj.

The transducer 30] is inserted into the soil 70 and energized bygenerator 32] which is coupled to the transducer by conduit 34j. Thetransducer may emit compressional waves in a radial mode of vibration ina plane substantially parallel to the surface of the earth to obtain amore dispersed wave to treat a greater area at a given time. Thegenerator 32j may be modulated as to both frequency and time of the day.For example it may be desirable to treat the plants only during thedaylight hours.

From the above disclosure, it is evident that the area or size of thebiosonic wall will vary with the particular needs for a specificapplication. lt is contemplated the wall may be onehalf inch square orsmaller for the treatment of micro-organisms, or be the size of theentire wall of a theatre, room, shower, bathtub, swimming pool, aquariumetc. for the treatment of macroorganisms. Since the elastic medium maybe air the treatment of a host of animals may occur while they arebusily engaged in other activities and not disturbed during thetreatment cycle. Since the frequency of vibrations for humans has beenselected above the audible spectrum they can sit in a room or theatre,receive the micromassage of their body and resultant stimulation and atthe same time enjoy a movie, play, lecture, etc. It is also contemplatedthat office buildings and factories contain biosonic walls to treat theworkers during the day. This is especially so in those jobs which aretiring and for which stimulation is required.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosedherein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

I claim:

I. A method of treating an inner region of an organic structure of afertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid medium therein,comprising the steps of:

A. placing the organic structure in a path of coherent wave energy sothat said wave energy penetrates pervasively into the acousticallyaccessible inner region of said organic structure;

8. selecting and maintaining said elastic wave energy at a level ofintensity below the cavitational threshold of the fluid medium withinthe inner region of said organic structure, and within a frequency rangeof from 500 c.p.s. to 600,000 c.p.s. and

C. selecting said elastic wave energy in said path having a frequencycharacterized in that when penetrating and traversing the inner regionof said organic structure, said coherent elastic wave energy vibrates atsaid frequency the inner region of said organic structure, and a minimalquantity thereof is reflected and dissipated in the form of heat in theinner region treated.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic waves aregenerated over an area of sufficient size to substantially treat theentire organic structure at one time.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, further including the step ofdetennining the linear length of the organic structure in the directionof the path of said elastic wave energy. c.p.s.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frequency of vibration isselected having a wavelength substantially equal to the linear length ofsaid organic structure.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frequency of vibration isselected in which an integral number of wavelengths is substantiallyequal to the linear length of the organic element.

6. A method of treating an inner region of an organic structure in theform of a fertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid mediumtherein, comprising the steps of:

A. generating coherent elastic energy waves at a level of intensitybelow the cavitational threshold of the fluid medium within said organicstructure and within a frequency range of from 500 c.p.s. to 600,000c.p.s.;

B. maintaining said organic structure and said source of generated wavesin spaced relationship to each other with an elastic mediumtherebetween;

C. transmitting said elastic energy waves through said elastic mediummaintained free from cavitation, to traverse said organic element sothat said coherent wave energy penetrates pervasively into theacoustically accessible inner region of said organic structure; and

D. selecting a frequency band and intensity of said coherent elasticenergy waves in relationship to the characteristics of the inner regionof said organic structure wherein a greater percentage of said elasticwave energy is transmitted through the inner region treated in saidorganic structure than is absorbed and dissipated in the form of heattherein.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elastic medium is aliquid.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elastic medium is a gas.

fertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid medium therein,comprising the steps of:

A. generating coherent elastic energy waves at a level of intensitybelow the cavitational threshold of the fluid medium within said organicstructure;

B. maintaining said organic structure and said source of generated wavesin spaced relationship to each other with an elastic mediumtherebetween;

C. transmitting said elastic energy waves through said elastic medium,to traverse said organic element so that said coherent wave energypenetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible inner region ofsaid organic structure;

D. selecting a frequency band and intensity of said coherent elasticenergy waves in relationship to the characteristics of said organicstructure wherein a greater percentage of said elastic wave energy istransmitted through said organic structure than is absorbed anddissipated in the form of heat therein; and

E. modulating the frequency of said energy waves over a selectedfrequency range to produce a varying wavelength to prevent the formationof foci of .energy within the organic structure.

10. A method as claimed in claim 6, further including the step ofreflecting said elastic waves after their passage through said organicstructure to increase the utilization of said energy to irradiate saidorganic structure.

11. A method of treating an organic structure in the fonn of afertilized ovum or a live, embryo containing a fluid medium therein,comprising the steps of:

A. generating coherent elastic energy waves at a level of in tensitybelow the cavitational threshold of the fluid medium within said organicstructure;

B. maintaining said organic structure and said source of generated wavesin spaced relationship to each other with an elastic mediumtherebetween;

C. transmitting said elastic energy waves through said elastic medium,to traverse said organic element so that said coherent wave energypenetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible inner region ofsaid organic structure;

D. selecting a frequency band and intensity of said coherent elasticenergy waves in relationship to the characteristics of said organicstructure wherein a greater percentage of said elastic wave energy istransmitted through said organic structure than is absorbed anddissipated in the form of heat therein; and

E. establishing relative movement between the organic structure to betreated and the transmitted coherent elastic energy waves to therebypresent progressive surface areas to the elastic energy until the entireorganic structure has been treated.

12. A method of treating an organic structure in the form of afertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid medium therein forproducing certain effects therein, comprising the steps of:

A. providing an acoustic auditorium having at least one pair ofspaced-apart walls and capable of containing therein at least oneorganic structure;

B. maintaining in said acoustic auditorium an elastic medium capable oftransmitting elastic wave energy therethrough;

C. coupling to one of said spaced-apart walls an electromechanicaltransducer having a vibratory output surface which forms a biosonicwall;

D. energizing said transducer in a frequency range of 500 c.p.s. to600,000 c.p.s. so that said biosonic wall produces coherent elasticenergy waves that are transmitted through said elastic medium to engagethe organic structure within said acoustic auditorium for treatmentthereof, said coherent elastic energy waves being at a level ofintensity below the cavitational threshold of the fluid medium withinsaid organic structure as they penetrate pervasively into theacoustically accessible inner region of said organic structure;

E. reflecting the coherent elastic wave energy that is transmittedthrough said organic structure off of said opposite wall for a secondarytreatment of said organic structure; and

F. modulating the elastic energy waves in a frequency band with saidfrequency range of 500 c.p.s. to 600.000 c.p.s.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said coherent elasticenergy waves are modulated to produce at said biosonic wall a variedwave pattern whereby permanent foci of energy are not established in theorganic structure.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said coherent elasticenergy waves are produced both at a substantially fixed frequency andmodulated in a frequency band in the audible range of the organicstructure under treatment.

15. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frequency modulation ofsaid elastic energy waves is also related to the physicalcharacteristics of the wall to obtain a variation in the loop and nodalregions thereof.

16. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said acoustical auditoriumis adapted for the treatment of organic structures under water.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said acoustical auditoriumis in the form of an aquarium.

18. Apparatus for treating an organic structure in the form of afertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid medium therein fortherapeutic purposes, comprising:

A. enclosure means in the form of an acoustical auditorium containingtherein an elastic medium and an organic structure, said enclosure meansincluding at least one pair of spaced-apart walls, and is sufiicientlylarge to contain therein the entire organic structure in spaced relationto the generated energy waves. wherein one of said spacedapart wallsacts as an acoustic reflector to reflect the energy waves transmittedthrough the organic structure for a secondary treatment thereof; and

B. associated with said enclosure means for producing coherent elasticenergy waves in vibration transmission relationship to said elasticmedium and at a frequency below the cavitational level of the fluidmedium in said organic structure. and within a frequency range of 500c.p.s. to 600,000 c.p.s.. whereby said energy waves are propagatedthrough said elastic medium for treating the organic structure.

19. Apparatus for treating an organic structure in the form of afertilized ovum or a live embryo containing a fluid medium, comprising:

A. enclosure means in the form of an acoustical auditorium of agenerally rectangular configuration having a bottom wall, spaced apartsidewalls and end walls and adapted to contain therein an elastic mediumand an organic structure;

B. generating means associated with said enclosure means for producingultrasonic coherent elastic energy waves in vibration transmissionrelationship to said elastic medium and at a frequency within the rangeof 500 c.p.s. to 600,000 c.p.s. and below the cavitational level of thefluid medium in the organic structure, said energy waves are propagatedthrough said elastic medium for treating the human; and

C. means for modulating the elastic energy waves produced by saidgenerating means to obtain a varied wave pattern, whereby permanent fociof energy are not established within the human under treatment.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein said generating means iscoupled to one of said spaced-apart walls to vibrate the latter as abiosonic wall and transmit coherent elastic energy waves over an area ofsufficient size to substantially treat the entire human at one time.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said generating meansincludes a plurality of electromechanical transducers of themagnetostrictive type.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said generating meansincludes a plurality of electromechanical transducers of thepiezoelectric type.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein said elastic medium is aliquid and said enclosure means is liquid tight.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, further comprising means forreflecting the elastic waves after their passage through said organicstructure to increase their utilization for secondary treatmentpurposes.

